This rare BMW 850i coupe is a pure tuning disaster

Ever since the early 1990s, we’ve looked back at the first-generation BMW 8-Series as a master class in exterior design elegance. These cars are hard to find nowadays, though, and while one is up for grabs in the UK right now, it no longer has any of the charm it was born with.

Let’s be clear: we don’t know who is responsible for this calamity of a styling job, nor do we care to know. The 850i looks downright unrecognizable from the rear due to a humongous wing, six cheap-looking round taillights and a bumper doing its best “baby diaper” impression. Huge panel gaps make the premium vehicle look like a cheap Lego car knock-off.

The sides are just as unlucky with street-racing graphics around the fenders and wheels that look like they belong in a different universe, one that precludes the existence of BMWs. The nose would actually be borderline passable if not for the gaps and the shrill yellow paint job resulting in an unmistakable “plastic toy” look.

The interior also fell victim to the tuner’s limited understanding of aesthetics. Black and yellow leather trim conveys neither “luxury” nor “understatement”, and the whole car looks the worse for the wear – scratches and scuffs are anywhere you look. Mileage? Unknown.

Signature Motor Company wants £14,995 for it. One has to wonder who in their right mind would buy it for the asking price.